BX 

99EI 
.N3 






irst Steps Toward Heayen 



jFor little Christians. 



PREPARED BY 



MRS. ABBIE F. MARSH, 




BOSTON: 

UNIVERSALIST PUBLISHING HOUSE. 

1889. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 



Shelf 



UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



First Steps Toward Heaven 



JFor ILittle Christians. 



PREPARED BY 



THE UB* ARY 
0F CONGRESS 

WAS HINGT0N 



MRS. ABBIE F. MARSH. 






M <S™WX 
JUL 16 1889 

VON- 



BOSTON: 

UNIVERSALIST PUBLISHING HOUSE. 

1889. 



0[Zj\ 






Copyright, 1889, 
By the Universalist Publishing House. 



ZOTnfbfrjsttn $rrs8: 
John Wilson and Son, Cambridge. 



TO THE 

CHILDREN OF THE INFANT DEPARTMENT 

OF 

ALL SOULS UNIVERSALIST SUNDAY-SCHOOL, 

WORCESTER, MASS. 

EACH FACE OF WHOM HAS BECOME SO DEAR TO ME AS 
TO MAKE MY LABORS WITH THEM A PLEASURE, A^D IN 
WHOSE INTEREST IT WAS WRITTEN, 

GTijis little iBoofe ts affecttonatelg Betitcatetj 

BY THE AUTHOR. 



LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. 



Page 

The Holy Bible 15 

Christ's Love for Little Children 17 

Christmas 19 

The Holy Sabbath 21 

Prayer 23 

Easter 26 

Adam and Eye 29 

The Tower of Babel 34 

Our Saviour 56 



INTRODUCTION, 



rpHESE lessons were arranged by the 
author to assist in teaching a large 
class of little ones, some of whom had never 
had any previous religious instruction, the 
design of the book being to give them 
a clear and simple outline of religion so 
permeated with God's love as to be never 
separated from it, without confusing and 
discouraging them with facts that should 
be taught later, when their minds are pre- 
pared by these lessons to give them their 
proper place. While being a help to the 
teacher, each lesson allows her full scope 
to illustrate it in her own way, which is 
so important in making it interesting. 



6 INTRODUCTION. 

The author is convinced that it is best 
to have a special " Opening Service " for 
the Infant Department, as it can be made 
so simple and interesting that they soon 
learn to take part in it and enjoy it. I 
almost feel its importance to be equal to 
that of the lesson; for I take as much pains 
in preparing my " remarks," and making 
them instructive and especially applicable 
to the lesson, or day, or some event that 
has recently happened that can furnish a 
moral, as I do in preparing the regular 
lesson. 

A. F. M. 
June, 1889. 



ORDER OF OPENING SERVICE. 



rpHE School should always be opened with 
praj-er by the superintendent or teacher 
in charge, which should be so simple as to be 
understood by the children ; or a prayer like 
the following is recommended, the children 
repeating it with the teacher. 

OPENING PRAYER. 

Our Father in heaven, 

Be near us to-day ; 
We know thou wilt listen 

To us while we pray. 
We thank thee for all 

Thy good gifts, and thy love; 
For home, friends, and happiness 

Come from above. 
Forgive us our sins, 

And help us be good; 
And make us like Jesus, 

So gentle and good. 



SINGING. 



8 ORDER OF OPENING SERVICE. 



CONFESSION OF FAITH. 

[Children to be seated, and repeat with teacher.] 

Article I. We believe that the Holy Scrip- 
tures of the Old and New Testaments contain a 
revelation of the character of God, and of the duty, 
interest, and final destination of mankind. 

Article II. We believe that there is one God, 
whose nature is Love, revealed in one Lord Jesus 
Christ, by one Holy Spirit of Grace, who will 
finally restore the whole family of mankind to 
holiness and happiness. 

Article III. We believe that holiness and 
true happiness are inseparably connected, and that 
believers ought to be careful to maintain order and 
practise good works; for these things are good 
and profitable unto men. 



TEN COMMANDMENTS IN VERSE. 

Thou shalt have no more gods but me. 
Before no idol bow thy knee. 
Take not the name of God in vain ; 
Nor dare the Sabbath Day profane. 
Give to thy parents honor due. 
Beware that thou no murder do. 
Abstain from words and deeds unclean ; 
Nor steal, though thou be poor and mean ; 
Nor tell a wilful lie, nor love it. 
What is thy neighbor's do not covet. 



ORDER OF OPENING SERVICE. 9 



READING OF A SHORT SELECTION FROM THE 
BIBLE BY THE SUPERINTENDENT. 

[Which should be illustrated in some manner to make it 
interesting, and to leave an impression on the minds of the 
children.] 



BLACKBOARD EXPLANATION OF " INTERNA- 
TIONAL LESSON," AND REMARKS. 



MARCHING BY CHILDREN. 

[With organ accompaniment or singing, each child drop- 
ping the penny contribution in a receptacle placed conven- 
iently for the purpose, the leader being a scholar who has 
been constant in attendance, and who should hold the place 
until absent.] 

SINGING. 

[Children to rise, and stand until close of service.] 



THE LORD'S PRAYER. 

[All repeating.] 
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy 
name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done 
on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day 
our daily bread ; and forgive us our trespasses as 
we forgive them that trespass against us. And 
lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from 
evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and 
the glory, forever. Amen. 

Close of Opening Service. 



$art f ir^t. 



GENERAL LESSONS. 



LESSON I. 
GOD OUR HEAVENLY FATHER. 

Who made all things ? 

God. 
Can } T ou think of any good thing that we have 
that does not come from God ? 

[After the children have answered the question, 
the teacher should illustrate it until perfectly under- 
stood by them.] 

Why does he give us all these good things? 

Because he loves us. 
Does he ever forget us? 

JVo ; he watches over and cares for us all 
the time. 



12 FIRST STEPS TOWARD HEAVEN 

What does God ask in return for all his loving 
care ? 

That we should be good, and obey his laics. 
What are some of God's laws. 

The Ten Commandments. 
Where are the Ten Commandments to be 
found ? 

In the Bible, God's own book. 
Can any one repeat the Ten Commandments 
in verse? 

(1) Thou shalt have no more Gods but me. 

(2) Before no idol bow thy knee. 

(3) Take not the name of God in vain ; 

(4) Nor dare the Sabbath Bay profane. 

(5) Give to thy parents honor due. 

(6) Beware that thou no murder do. 

(7) Abstain from words and deeds unclean ; 

(8) Nor steal, though thou be poor and mean ; 

(9) Nor tell a wilful lie, nor love it. 
(10) What is thy neighbor's do not covet. 

Why has God made these laws ? 

That we should know the right way to live, 
and be happy. 

Can we be happy if we do not obey these 
laws ? 
No. 

[Teacher illustrate how unhappiness is caused by 
breaking these laws.] 



FOR LITTLE CHRISTIANS. 13 

Can you think of any of God's laws that you 
have broken this last week ? 

God cares for every little child 

That on this large earth lives. 
He gives them clothes, and home, and food, — 

And more than these God gives. 

He gives them all their loving friends, 

He gives each child its mother ; 
He gives them all the happiness 

Of loving one another. 

He makes the earth all beautiful ; 

He makes my eyes to see ; 
And touch and hearing, taste and smell, — 

He gives them all to me. 

What can a little child give God ? 

From his bright heaven above 
The great God smiles, and reaches down 

To take his children's love. 

Mrs. Parkman. 



14 FIRST STEPS TOWARD HEAVEN 

LESSON II. 

OUR SAVIOUR. 

Who is Jesus Christ ? 
The Son of God. 
Who sent him into the world? 

God 
Why did he send him ? 

Because he loved us, and desired us to learn 
of him how to live a good life and be saved from 
our sins. 

[Teacher illustrate how, instead of leaving his 
wicked people to continue in ignorance and sin, 
God's love for us was so great that he sent his only 
Son to save us.] 

Were the people kind to Jesus ? 

No ; they persecuted and crucified him. 
Did Jesus wish God to punish his persecutors? 

No ; for he said, " Father, forgive them, 
they knoio not what they do." — Luke xxiii. 34. 

[The teacher should always have a Bible within 
reach, and teach the children how to find the 
quotations.] 

How many years ago was Christ born ? 

[Teacher explain how time is reckoned from the 
birth of Christ] 




THE HOLY BIBLE, 



FOR LITTLE CHRISTIANS. 15 



LESSON III. 
THE HOLY BIBLE. 

What is the Bible called? 

The Word of God. 
Is there any better book in the world ? 

No. 
What book should we read if we wish to learn 
about God ? 

The Holy Bible. 
Why do we call it the Holy Bible ? 

Because it never could have been written 
ivithout God's help. 

Is there any man too wise to need to read the 
Bible? 

No ; even the icisest men can learn by read- 
ing the Bible. 

Into how many parts is the Bible divided ? 
Two, — the Old and New Testaments. 
How many books are there in the Old Testa- 
ment? 

Thirty -nine. 
How many in the New ? 
Twenty-seven. 



16 FIRST STEPS TOWARD HEAVEN 

Which part of the Bible tells of the birth of 
Christ, his perfect life, how he went about teach- 
ing the people the way of life, his sufferings, his 
crucifixion and death, his rising from the dead 
and ascension into heaven? 
The New Testament. 
Do wicked people love the Bible ? 
No. 

[The children will take more interest if a Bible is 
before then*-] 

" Oh, let me read my Bible o'er 

With ever new delight ; 
And may I love its pages more, 

And seek God day and night. 
Oh, let it purify my heart, 

And guide me all my days ; 
Its wonders, Lord, to me impart, 

And teach my lips to praise." 




CHRIST'S LOVE FOR LITTLE CHILDREN. 



FOR LITTLE CHRISTIANS. 17 



LESSON IV. 
CHRIST'S LOVE FOR LITTLE CHILDREN. 

Did Jesus love little children ? 
He did. 

How do we know this ? 

Because when little children were brought 
to him, and his disciples tried to send them 
away, he took them in his arms. 
What die! he say? 

Suffer the little children to come unto me, 
and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom 
of God. —St. Mark x. 14. 

[Teacher illustrate the lesson, telling the children 
how they can follow Christ's example, how noble it 
is to resist temptation, and how important it is for 
their happiness to keep the heart and mind pure, and 
how God knows every thought, and rejoices over 
every good and unselfish thought or action.] 

I think when I read that sweet story of old, 
When Jesus was here among men, 

How he called little children as lambs to histoid, 
I should like to have been with him then. 

2 



18 FIRST STEPS TOWARD HEAVEN 

I wish that his hands had been placed on my 
head, 
That his arms had been thrown around me, 
And that I might have seen his kind look when 
he said, 
" Let the little ones come unto me." 

Hymns and Music for the Young. 



CHRISTMAS. 



FOR LITTLE CHRISTIANS. 



19 



LESSON V. 
CHRISTMAS. 

Why do we celebrate Christmas ? 

Because it is the birthday of Christ. 
Where was Christ born ? 

In Bethlehem of Judea. 
How many years ago ? 
How should we celebrate Christmas? 

By making as many happy as we can. 
Will that make us happy ? 

It will. 
Does Christ want us to be happy ? 

He does. 
What brings unhappiness? 

Sin. 
Is selfishness a sin ? 

It is, a great sin. 
If all people were good should we all be happy? 

We should be. 
Can a little child do any good in the world ? 

Yes, a great deal of good. 
Does a bad child cause unhappiness? 

Yes, both to himself and also to others. 
How does God feel toward a wicked child ? 

He is grieved. 



20 FIRST STEPS TOWARD HEAVEN 

[Teacher repeat how sin brings its own punish- 
ment, and that God's laws are irrevocable, and that 
we get the most good in this world by not breaking 
them.] 

" Oh, happy, joyous Christinas, 

We children wait the day, 
For Jesus loves us well, we know ; 

His precepts we'll obey. 
O God, we thank thee for thy gift 

Of Christ thy only Son. 
We '11 sing our love, our hearts we '11 lift, 

To praise thee, every one. 
All glory be to God on high, 

And to the earth be peace ; 
Good- will henceforth from Heaven to men, — 

God's grace will never cease." 



-';:..; 



A , JC" 



KPl 






THE HOLY SABBATH. 



FOR LITTLE CHRISTIANS. 21 



LESSON VI. 

THE HOLY SABBATH. 

For whom was the Sabbath made ? 

The Sabbath was made for man, — Mark 

ii. 27. 

[Teacher impress on the minds of the children 
what a blessing the Sabbath is to man.] 

What does he command us to do on the 
Sabbath? 

Remember the Sabbath-day to keep it 
holy. — Exodus xx. 8. 

Is that one of the Ten Commandments? 
It is. 

Which one? 
The fourth. 

Where in the Bible shall we find the Ten 
Commandments? 

In the second booh of the Old Testament, 
twentieth chapter. 

[Teacher should let each pupil find it for him- 
self.] 



22 FIRST STEPS TOWARD HEAVEN 

Oh, Sunday is a blessed da} T , 

To holy worship given ; 
When in God's house we meet to pray, 

And learn the songs of heaven. 
Bright, lovel}' day of holiest peace, 

Of all the days the best, 
When worldly occupations cease, 

And we have heavenly rest. 

Sunday Hymns. 




PRAYER. 



FOR LITTLE CHRISTIANS. 23 



LESSON VII. 
PRAYER. 

What is prayer ? 

A desire of the heart. 
How is it manifest ? 

In asking of and communing with God. 
Will he hear the prayer of a little child ? 

God will always. 
Does he alwaj's give us what we ask for? 

Not unless it is best for us that we should 
have it. 

[Teacher illustrate.] 

When should little children always pray ? 

Before going to sleep at night. 
Why? 

To thank God for his loving care of us 
through the day. 

What else should we tell him? 

Tell him of the naughty things ive have 
done during the day, and how sorry toe are. 
An}' thing else ? 

Yes, ask him to forgive our sins. 
Will he forgive us all our sins ? 

Yes, if ice are truly sorry that tve have 
done wrong and try to do better. 



24 FIRST STEPS TOWARD HEAVEN 

Should we not pray for others as well as our- 
selves ? 

Yes ; w>e should pray for those we love. 
How can we follow Christ's example when we 
pray? 

By praying for those that have injured its. 
Should we pray to God at any other time ? 
Yes ; in the morning, to thank him for 
taking care of us through the long dark night. 
And for what should we ask his help ? 

We should ask him to help us to be good 
through the day. 

Is there any other time that we should pray 
to him? 

Yes ; ivhenever we are tempted to do wrong, 
or are in trouble. 

Will he always hear and help us? 

Yes, if we are sincere. 
Can any one repeat the Lord's Prayer? 
Our Father who art in heaven, 
Hallowed be thy name. 
Thy kingdom come. 
Thy will be done 
On earth as it is in heaven. 
Give us this day our daily bread ; 
And forgive us our tresjKisses 
As ive forgive them that tresjmss against us. 
And lead us not into temptation, 
But deliver us from evil. 



FOR LITTLE CHRISTIANS. 25 

For thine is the kingdom. 
The power, and the glory, 
Forever. Amen. 

Who gave us the Lord's Prayer? 
Jesus. 

[Teacher impress on the minds of the children the 
beauty and meaning of this prayer, and how it is 
adapted to every want and station in life.] 

With humble heart and tongue, 
Great God, to thee we pray ; 

Oh, may we learn while we are young 
To walk in wisdom's w r ay. 

Now in our early days 

Teach us thyself to know ; e 
O God, thy sanctifying grace 

Betimes on us bestow. 

Manhatton. 



26 FIRST STEPS TOWARD HEAVEN 



LESSON VIII. 

EASTER. 

On what day of the week did Christ rise from 
the dead? 

On Sunday, the first day of the week. 
What does his resurrection, or rising from the 
dead, mean to us? 

It means that although toe die toe shall live 
again. 

What is told us in the fifteenth chapter of 
First Corinthians about it? 

As in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall 
all be made alive. — 1 Cor. xv. 22. 

How man}' days was it after Christ was cruci- 
fied before he rose from the dead ? 
Three days. 
Which day of the year is the anniversary of 
his death? 

Good Friday. 
Why do we call it " Good Friday " ? 

Because Christ died for us that ice might 
be saved from our sins. 

fct Now be God the Father praised, 
With the Son from death upraised. 
Who endured the cross and grave, 
Sinners to redeem and save." 



FOR LITTLE CHRISTIANS. 27 



LESSON IX. 
OUR FAITH. 

What is the Golden Rule? 

Do unto others as you would that they 
should do unto you. 

What do we come to Sunday School for? 
To learn about God and Jesus, and how 
to be good and beautiful in God's sight. 
What church do we attend ? 

The Uhiversalist. 
Why is the Universalist faith the most beau- 
tiful in the world? 

Becaibse it teaches us that God is love, and 
that love is the greatest power in the world, and 
that we shall not perish, but have everlasting 
life. 

[Teacher explain the difference between filial love 
and love for our friends, and that more unselfish and 
Christlike love that recognizes every human being 
as a child of God, and causes us to hate, not the 
wicked man, but the sin that makes him wicked, and 
to love him so that we shall do all we can to separate 
him from his wickedness, and to be grieved instead 
oi wrathful when any one does wrong.] 



28 FIRST STEPS TOWARD HEAVEN 



$att ^cccnfr 



LESSONS FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT. 



LESSON I. 
THE CREATION. 

What was in the beginning? 

The creation. 
Where can we learn about the creation ? 

In the first book of the Bible. 
What is the name of the book ? 

Genesis. 
Can you repeat the first verse in the Bible? 
Was God's work perfect? 

It was. 

[Teaeher illustrate.] 

After God had created the heavens and the 
earth, the sun, moon, and stars, the fishes, fowls, 
and beasts of the field, what did he create? 
Man. 
In whose ima^e ? 
GocVs own image. 




ADAM AND EVE. 



FOR LITTLE CHRISTIANS. 29 



LESSON II. 
ADAM AND EVE. 

Who was the first man ? 

Adam. 
Who was the first woman ? 

Eve. 
Where did God place Adam and Eve? 

In the garden of Eden, a beatttif id place. 
Were they perfectly happy? 

They would have been if they had not 
sinned. 

How did they sin ? 

By not obeying God. 
Were they punished for their sin ? 

Yes ; they were cast out of the beautiful 
garden of Eden. 



30 FIRST STEPS TOWARD HEAVEN 

LESSON III. 

CAIN AND ABEL. 

Who were Cain and Abel? 

They viere the sons of Adam and Eve. 
Were they good men ? 

Abel was a good man, Met Cain teas selfish 
and envious. 

What is the meaning of selfish and envious? 
What was Abel? 

He was a keeper of sheep. 
What was Cain? 

He teas a tiller of the ground. 
What offering did Cain bring to the Lord? 

He brought of the fruit of the ground. 
What did Abel bring? 

AbeVs offering ivas of the firstlings of his 
flock. 

Why was Cain jealous of Abel ? 

^Because Abel's offering was more accept- 
able to the Lord than his. 
What did Cain do? 

He killed his brother Abel. 
What did Cain say when God asked him where 
his brother w r as? 

He said, Ci I know not ; am I my brother's 
keeper/ " 



FOR LITTLE CHRISTIANS. 31 

Did that deceive God ? 

No. God knows everything ; not only what 
we say, but what we think. 
Was Cain punished? 

He was. 
How? 

He became a vagabond on the earth. 



32 FIRST STEPS TOWARD HEAVEN 



LESSON IV. 

NOAH. 

As the people increased on the earth, did they 
obey God's commands? 

No ; they grew very wicked. 
Was there none good? 

Yes ; Noah was a good man loho obeyed 
God. 
What did God tell Noah to build ? 

An ark. 
After he had built it, what did he tell Noah 
to do? 

To go into the ark, — he and his icife, his 
sons and their wives, and two of every living 
flesh. 

How many sons had Noah ? 

Three ; Shem, Ham, and Japheth. 
Did Noah do as God commanded him? 

He did. 
What did God do then? 

He sent a flood upon the earth. 
How long did it rain ? 

Forty days and forty nights. 
Did the waters cover everything on the face 
of the earth? 

They did ; even the highest mountains. 



FOR LITTLE CHRISTIANS. 33 

Was everything destroyed that was not in the 
ark? 

It was. 
How was Noah saved? 

The ark floated on top of the waters. 
How long was it before the waters disap- 
peared ? 

About a year. 
After the waters abated, where did the ark 
rest? 

On the mountains of Ararat. 
What did Noah send forth from the ark? 

A dove. 
When he sent the dove the second time, what 
did it bring back? 

An olive-leaf in its beak. 
What did he know bj- that ? 

That the waters were disappearing. 
When he sent the dove the third time did it 
come back? 
No. 
Did God say we should never have another 
flood? 

Yes, he did. 
What has he given us as a token of his 
promise ? 

The rainbow. 



34 FIRST STEPS TOWARD HEAVEN 



LESSON V. 

THE TOWER OF BABEL. 

What interesting event do we read of in the 
eleventh chapter of Genesis? 

The building of the tower of Babel. 
What was the object of the people in building 
such a high tower? 

To build it so high that it would reach 
heaven. 

Was that foolish and impossible ? 

It was. 
How did God rebuke them for their foolish- 
ness ? 

He confused their tongues. 

[Teacher explain that previously there was but one 
language, and how impossible it was for men to pro- 
ceed in the work when they could no longer under- 
stand one another.] 

Why was it called the tower of Babel ? 
Because Babel means confusion. 




THE TOWER OF BABEL. 



FOB LITTLE CHRISTIANS. 35 



LESSON VI. 

ABRAHAM. 

What great man do we read of in Genesis who 
is sometimes called " the Father of the Faith- 
ful " ? 

Abraham. 
Why is he so called ? 

Because he had faith in God. 
How did the people worship God in those 
days before there were any churches? 
They built altars. 
How? 

By piling up stones in a heap and laying 
wood on top of them. 

What did they generally burn on these altars 
for a sacrifice, to God? 

A lamb which had previously been hilled. 
As the smoke rose toward heaven what did 
they then do? 

They stood around the altar and prayed to 
God. 
How did God test Abraham's faith ? 

By asking Abraham to offer his son Isaac 
as a sacrifice. 



36 FIRST STEPS TOWARD HEAVEN 

Did Abraham love his son as well as your 
father loves yon? 
He did. 
What happened when Abraham laid Isaac on 
the altar and was about to slay him ? 

An angel of the Lord called to him, and 
told him that he must not do it. 
What did Abraham see then ? 
A ram caught in a thicket. 
Did he offer the ram as a sacrifice? 

He did. 
How should we show our faith in God ? 

By obeying his commandments and feel- 
ing that he knoivs best ichat is good for us. 

Has God placed us in this world for any 
purpose ? 
He has. 
Should we not try to do the best we can every 
day? 

We should. 
How many will try to-morrow morning to do 
the best they can? 

If we fail, should we stop trying? 
Always remember that God will help you to 
be good, if } T ou ask him and are sincere. 

How many ever heard the story of Rebecca at 
the well? 

How many would like to hear it? 

[Teacher relate the story.] 



FOR LITTLE CHRISTIANS. 37 



LESSON VII. 
JACOB. 

Whose son was Jacob ? 

Isaac's. 
Did God change Jacob's name? 

Yes. 
What did he call him ? 

Israel. 
How many sons had Israel ? 

Twelve. 
Does the Bible tell us that he loved one more 
than the rest? 

Yes ; he loved Joseph best. 
What did he give Joseph as a token of his 
love ? 

A coat of many colors. 
Were his brothers displeased because he was 
a favorite with his father? 
Yes. 
After stripping off his coat of many colors and 
throwing him into a deep pit, what did they 
do? 

They sold him to some Egyptians, who 
made a slave of him. 



38 FIRST STEPS TOWARD HEAVEN 

Why did his brothers dip his coat of many 
colors in the blood of a kid and carry it home ? 

To make his father think that a wild beast 
had devoured him. 



FOR LITTLE CHRISTIANS. 39 

LESSON VIII. 

JOSEPH. 

What did the men who bought 'Joseph do with 
him? 

They sold him to one of Pharaoh's officers. 
Who was Pharaoh ? 

King of Egypt. 
Was Joseph favored by the king? 

He was. 
What did Pharaoh make him ? 

He made him ruler over all Egypt, 
What happened to all the land ? 

There was a great famine. 
What is a famine ? 
How long did the famine last? 

Seven years. 
Did Egypt share in the famine ? 

No ; the people had stored up com in time 
of plenty. 

Who had told them that there was to be a 
famine ? 

Joseph. 
Who came to Egypt to buy corn ? 

Joseph's brothers. 
Did they know Joseph ? 

No; they bowed down before him. 



40 FIRST STEPS TOWARD HEAVEN 

Did Joseph know them ? 

Yes. 
Did he let them know that he was their 
brother ? 

Not then. 
What did he tell them to do, or he would not 
sell them corn? 

To go home and bring their brother 
Benjamin. 

Who was Benjamin? 

His youngest brother, whom they had left 
at home. 

Did he make himself known when they had 
brought his brother? 
He did. 
What would have become of his brothers if 
he had refused to sell them corn ? 

They would have died in the famine. 
For whom did he send to come and stay in 
Egypt? 

Israel his father ; and, he cared for him 
and all his brothers. 

Was not that a noble example of returning 
good for evil? 



FOR LITTLE CHRISTIANS. 41 



LESSON IX. 

What were the descendants of Jacob, or Is- 
rael, as God named him, called? 

Israelites, or the children of Israel, 
What happened to the Israelites after Joseph 
and his brothers were dead ? 

They were made slaves and treated very 
cruelly. 

What cruel law did the wicked king make ? 
That all the sons that were born to the 
Israelites should be put to death as soon as 
born. 

Why did the king want this done ? 

He was afraid they would increase in 
numbers and grow powerful. 

Was he not afraid that they would then no 
longer serve him? 
He was. 



42 FIRST STEPS TOWARD HEAVEN 

LESSON X. 

MOSES. 

Have you ever heard of Moses in the bul- 
rushes ? 

Was not Moses one of the babies born to the 
Israelites ? 
He was. 
By what other name were the Israelites, or 
children of Israel, called? 
Hebrews. 
Why was not the infant Moses put to death 
the same as the other Hebrew babies? 

His mother hid him as long as she could. 
What did she do when she could no longer 
hide him ? 

She put him in a little basket-boat of bid- 
rushes covered with pitch so that it would be 
water-proof* and placed him in the river. 

As she put him in the tall reeds by the water's 
edge the basket could not float away ; but did 
she leave him alone? 

She told his sister Miriam to watch it 
near by. 

Who came down to the river to bathe, and 
found the infant Moses? 
The Jcinfs daughter. 



FOR LITTLE CHRISTIANS. 43 

Who was king then ? 

Pharaoh, 
Was this the same king Pharaoh that made 
Joseph ruler of Egypt? 

No ; another king of the same name. 
Whom did the king's daughter get to nurse 
the little child? 

The child's mother. 
Did she know it was his mother? 

No. 
What did the king's daughter call him? 

Moses. 
What did Moses become ? 

A great and good man. who delivered his 
people from slavery. 
Was he a proud man? 

No ; he was called the meekest man. 
By whom were the first five books in the Bible 
written by inspiration of God? 

By Moses. 



44 FIRST STEPS TOWARD HEAVEN 



LESSON XI. 

When Moses led the Israelites out of bondage, 
did Pharaoh and his army pursue them ? 
Yes. 
How did they cross the Red Sea? 

God divided the waters, so that they crossed 
over on dry land. 

What happened when Pharaoh and his army 
were crossing the Red Sea in pursuit of them ? 
Did God permit them to cross in safety? 

JVo ; he caused the waters to meet, and they 
were all drowned. 



FOR LITTLE CHRISTIANS. 45 



LESSON XII. 
MOSES IN THE WILDERNESS. 

After crossing the Red Sea, where did the 
children of Israel journe} r ? 
Into the wilderness. 
Was there plenty of food and water in the 
wilderness ? 
No. 
What did Moses tell them ? 

To have faith in God. 
How did God supply them with food ? 

Once he sent a flock of quails for them 
to eat. 

When they rose in the morning, what did they 
find on the ground? 

The ground was covered with small round 
things resembling coriander-seeds. 
What did Moses tell them it was ? 
Manna, or bread from heaven. 
Did they find it fresh every morning ? 

Yes, except on the Sabbath. 
Did they not have any on the Sabbath? 

Yes ; for he sent twice as much the day 
before. 



46 FIRST STEPS TOWARD HEAVEN 

Did they eat it just as it was? 

No ; they ground it up and made bread 
of it. 

How did they get water? 

God told Moses to smite a rock, and the 
water flowed abundantly. 



FOR LITTLE CHRISTIANS. 47 



LESSON XIII. 

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS. 

Where did Moses get the Ten Command- 
ments ? 

God gave them to him. 
Where was Moses when God gave them to 
him? 

On Mount Sinai. 
How many }'ears were the Israelites in the 
wilderness ? 

Forty years. 
After Moses died, who was the leader of the 
Israelites ? 
Joshua. 
When he led the Israelites out of the wilder- 
ness, what river did they have to cross to reach 
the promised land that God had given them ? 
The river Jordan. 
How did they cross it? 

He caused the waters to roll back the same 
as when they crossed the Bed Sea, so that they 
crossed on dry land. 



48 FIRST STEPS TOWARD HEAVEN 

What did Joshua and his followers do after 
they landed safely? 

They built a monument, so that they might 
always remember God's goodness in bringing 
them safely over the river Jordan. 



FOK LITTLE CHRISTIANS. 49 



LESSON XIV. 
SAUL. 

Who was the first king of the Jews? 

Saul. 
Who appointed him king ? 

Samuel. 
Who was Samuel? 

A very devout man. 
Did his mother lend him to the Lord when he 
was } T oung? 

She did. 
What was his mother's name? 

Hannah. 
Was Samuel one of the prophets ? 

He was. 
You have told me that Saul was the first king 
of the Jews ; was he a good king? 

He was at first, but grew very wicked. 
How did Saul die ? 

By falling on his own sword. 



50 FIRST STEPS TOWARD HEAVEN 



LESSON XV. 

DAVID. 

Whom have you heard called the sweet singer 
of Israel ? 
David. 
Why? 

Because he used to play on the harp and 
sing praises to God. 

Did he write the Book of Psalms? 

All but a few, which are supposed to have 
been written by others. 

What wicked giant did David kill with a sling 
when he was quite a young man ? 
Goliath. 
Did DaVid become king after Saul's death ? 

Yes. 
Was David always good after he became king ? 
JVo ; at one time he was icicked and dis- 
obeyed God. 

Was he unhappy ? 

He was. 
Can any one be happy when he is wicked ? 
No. 



FOR LITTLE CHRISTIANS. 51 

Did he ask God's forgiveness for his wicked- 
ness? 

He did. 
After God forgave him, did he sing praises to 
God? 

Yes. 
Can you repeat one of David's beautiful pray- 
ers to God? 

Yes/ u As the hart panteth after the water 
brooks, so panteth my soxd after thee, God." 
What did he mean by that? 

He meant that he was thirsty for God's 
love. 

In another psalm, does he tell us that God will 
be near us when we pray to him ? 

Yes. He says, Cw The Lord is nigh unto 
all them that call upon him, to all them that 
call upon him in truth" (Ps. cxlv. 18). 



52 FIRST STEPS TOWARD HEAVEN 



LESSON XVI. 

SOLOMON. 

Which one of David's sons succeeded to his 
throne ? 

Solomon. 
What did Solomon ask of God when he was 
king ? 

That he would give him wisdom. 
Did it please God that he had asked for wis- 
dom instead of riches? 
It did. 
What did he tell him ? 

That he would make him wise?' than any 
king that ever lived, and also more rich and 
famous. 

What queen of another country, hearing of 
the great riches of Solomon, came to see if 
what she had heard of his great wisdom and 
riches were true? 

The queen of Sheba. 
What did she say ? 

That the half had not been told Iter ; that 
his roisdom and riches were greater than she 
had heard. 



FOR LITTLE CHRISTIANS. 53 

Where can we find a history of the magnificent 
temple that was built by Solomon ? 

In the fir st book of Kings, the sixth chapter. 

[Teacher read the chapter.] 

Was Solomon the author of the book in the 
Bible called Ecclesiastes ? 

Yes ; and the Book of Proverbs. 
What king afterward destroyed the temple 
that Solomon built? 

The king of Babylon. 
In what book do we read about the rebuilding 
of the temple? 

The Book of Nehemiah. 



54 FIRST STEPS TOWARD HEAVEN 



LESSON XVII. 

SAMSON. 

Who was the strongest man? 

Samson. 
One cla} T when he was journeying with his 
parents and a lion sprang at them, what did 
he do? 

He rent it with his hands and tore it into 
pieces. 

When he was made a prisoner, what did he 
do? 

He leaned against the pillars or posts of 
the building, and threw it down. 

Was he not crushed with the fall of the 
building? 

Yes, and thousands of his enemies. 



FOR LITTLE CHRISTIANS. 55 



LESSON XVIII. 

OTHER NOTED MEN AND WOMEN IN 
THE OLD TESTAMENT. 

Who was fed by ravens ? 

Elijah. 
Who was the most patient man ? 

Job. 
What beautiful Jewish queen saved her 
people ? 

Queen Esther. 
Who was thrown into the den of lions? 

Daniel. 
Who was a loving daughter? 

Ruth. 
Who helped Moses in his work? 

Aaron. 



56 FIRST STEPS TOWARD HEAVEN 



$art C&irti, 



LESSONS FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT. 



LESSON I. 

THE BIRTH OF CHRIST. 

What are the first four books of the New 
Testament? 

Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. 
What are the} T called ? 

The Gospels. 
What is the meaning of the word Gospel? 

Good news. 
What good news do we read of in the Gospels? 

The birth of a Savionr. 
To whom did the angels announce the birth 
of Christ? 

To the shepherds watching their flocks by 
nif/ht. 

In what words? 

Fear not! for behold I bring yon glad 
tidings of great joy, which shall be to all 
people (Luke xi. 10). 




OUR SAVIOUR. 



FOR LITTLE CHRISTIANS. 57 

What guided them in their search for the 
young child? 

The star of the east. 
Where did they find the infant Saviour? 

Wrapped in swaddling-clothes and lying 
in a manger. 

What was his mother's name ? 

Meiry. 
By what other names is she called ? 

The Madonna, and the Virgin Mary. 



58 FIRST STEPS TOWARD HEAVEN 



LESSON II. 

INCIDENTAL. 

What did the wicked king Herod do when he 
heard of the birth of the Son of God? 

He commanded that every child under two 
years old should be slain. 
Why did he do this? 

So that Christ would be destroyed. 
Was he in fear that Christ would rule in his 
place if he did not put him to death? 
Tie was. 

How did he escape? 

God sent an angel to Joseph, his earthly 
father, telling him to take the young child and 
flee into another country. 

What trade did he learn when he was a young 
man? 

lie worked at the carpenters trade, the same 
as Joseph his father. 

How old was he when he commenced preach- 
ing? 

About thirty. 
Who baptized Jesus ? 
John the Baptist. 



FOR LITTLE CHRISTIANS. 59 

In what river was he baptized? 

The river Jordan. 
Did John the Baptist prophesy the coming 
of a Saviour before he was born? 
He did. 



60 FIRST STEPS TOWARD HEAVEN 



LESSON III. 

JESUS' WORK. 

Whom did Jesus choose to help him preach the 
gospel and bring people to God? 
Twelve disciples. 
Did he choose them from among the rich ? 

No ; from the poor and humble. 
What was the occupation of some of them ? 

They were fishermen . 
In the fifth chapter of Matthew, what do you 
find? 

Christ's sermon on the mount. 
What prayer did Jesus teach the people ? 

The Lord's Prayer. 
To whom did he tell the people to pray? 

Our Father which art in heaven. 
What else can you tell me that Jesus did, be- 
sides teaching the people to serve God and 
repent of their sins? 

He performed many miracles. 
What was one of the first miracles that he 
performed ? 

lie cured the centurions servant of the 
palsy. 



FOR LITTLE CHRISTIANS. 61 

How did he calm a tempest when he was in 
a ship, and his disciples were frightened, and 
asked him to save them ? 

He said to the waves, u Peace, be still" 

Who were Simon Peter, Andrew, James the 
son of Zebedee, and John his brother, Philip 
and Bartholomew, Thomas, and Matthew the 
publican, James the son of Alpheus, and Leb- 
beus, whose surname was Thaddeus, Simon, and 
Judas Iscariot? 

The disciples of Jesus. 

What did he tell them when he sent them forth 
to preach the gospel and heal the sick ? 

To be wise as serpents and harmless as 
doves. 

[Teacher explain the world of meaning expressed in 
a few words in the sentence, and how applicable it is 
to us.] 



62 FIRST STEPS TOWARD HEAVEN 



LESSON IV. 

JESUS TEMPTED. 

How long did Jesus fast in the wilderness? 

Forty days. 
Was he tempted to do wrong the same as 
other men ? 

Yes ; but he conquered the temptation. 
Can we resist eveiy temptation to do wrong? 

Yes, with God's help. 
Then a man is strong, is he not, when he 
resists temptation ? 

Yes ; and weak ivhen he yields to it. 
Yes, every time }'ou have a temptation to do 
wrong, and resist it, you grow stronger and more 
manly and womanly ; and as little soldiers of 
Christ 3'ou should conquer and rise above eveiw 
evil thought and inclination, and be straight- 
forward, earnest, brave, and cheerful little work- 
ers in this busy world of ours. 



FOR LITTLE CHRISTIANS. 63 

LESSON V. 
MISCELLANEOUS. 

Who betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver? 

Judas Iscariot. 
How was he betrayed ? 

By a kiss. 

[Teacher explain.] 

How did Jesus institute the Holy Supper? 
He took bread, and blessed it, and broke it, 
and gave it to his disciples. 
And what did he say to them ? 

Take, eat; this is my body. 
And when he took the cup, and gave thanks, 
and gave it to them, what did he say? 

Drink ye all of it ; this is my blood of the 
new testament, which is shed for many. 
Who denied Jesus ? 
Peter. 

[Teacher explain.] 

Who was the beloved disciple ? 

John. 
Who was governor of Judea ? 

Pontius Pilate. 
What did he do with Jesus? 

Delivered him to his persecutors. 



64 FIRST STEPS TOWARD HEAVEN 



LESSON VI. 
THE CRUCIFIXION. 

What did the}' do with Jesus? 

Crucified him. 
Where was he crucified ? 

On Mount Calvary. 
Who were crucified with Jesus ? 

Two thieves. 
On what day of the week was he crucified ? 

Friday. 
What did he ask of God? 

To forgive his persecutors. 
Where did they put Jesus after he was dead? 

In the tomb of Joseph. 



FOR LITTLE CHRISTIANS. 65 



LESSON VII. 

THE RESURRECTION. 

When did Jesus rise from the dead ? 

On Sunday, the third day after he vias 
crucified. 

When do we celebrate Christ's resurrection, or 
rising from the dead ? 
Easter Sunday. 
For whom did Christ die ? 

For us. 
Can you tell me some of the lessons to be 
learned from the life of Christ ? 

Yes. To obey God's commandments, to 
do good and be kind to every one, to re- 
lieve all the suffering we can, and to forgive 
our enemies. 

After Jesus rose from the dead, how long did 
he stay upon the earth? 

Forty days ; and then he asceyxded into 
heaven. 

I hope you are all so interested in the Bible, 
that you want to read and learn more of the life 
of Jesus. You want to read about the healing 
of the sick, the lame, and the palsied ; about the 



66 FIRST STEPS TOWARD HEAVEN 

conversion of Zaccheus, the raising of Lazarus 
from the dead, the destruction of Jerusalem, 
and the many parables that he taught ; and the 
older and wiser you grow, the more you will 
be able to see the wonderful, self-sacrificing 
beauty and purity of his life. 

The more faithfully you follow Christ's teach- 
ings and example, the more happiness and satis- 
faction you will get in this world, and the nobler 
and more lovable your character will be. And 
when this life is ended, how blessed to hear 
3'our Lord and Saviour say, " Well done, good 
and faithful servant ! " 



FOR LITTLE CHRISTIANS. 67 



THE BEATITUDES. 

Blessed are the poor in spirit : for theirs is the 
kingdom of heaven. 

Blessed are they that mourn : for they shall 
be comforted. 

Blessed are the meek : for they shall inherit 
the earth. 

Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst 
after righteousness : for the}' shall be filled. 

Blessed are the merciful : for they shall obtain 
mercy. 

Blessed are the pure in heart : for they shall 
see God. 

Blessed are the peace- makers : for they shall 
be called the children of God. 

Blessed are they which are persecuted for 
righteousness' sake : for theirs is the kingdom 
of heaven. 

Blessed are 3-e when men shall revile you, and 
persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil 
against you falsely, for my sake. 



68 FIRST STEPS TOWARD HEAVEN, 



SONG. 

Air, ''Oh, do not be discouraged!" 

Oh, we are little soldiers, 

We battle for the right ; 

Oh, we are little soldiers, 

We battle for the right. 

For the Saviour is our captain, 

For the Saviour is our captain, 

And he will vanquish sin. 

He will lead us safe through danger, 

He will lead us safe through danger, 

He will lead us safe through danger, 

On to heaven our happy home. 

Oh, I 'm glad I 'm in this army ; 

Oh, I 'm glad I 'm in this army ; 

If we follow him the victoiy's won. 



THE END. 



A*- 




LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



022 190 344 4 



SUNDAY SCHOOL SUPPLIES. 



WE call the attention of PASTORS, SUPERIN- 
TENDENTS, and TEACHERS to the Stock of 
Goods required by them for use in their Sunday-school work, 
to be found at the Universalist Publishing House, 
Boston, Mass. 

We can furnish, among other things for that purpose, the 
following : — 

Approved Class Books, Commentaries, 

Collection Envelopes, Bible Dictionaries, 

H A large Assortment of Sunday-School Cards, 

Supt's Record Books, Approved School Record Books, 

Maps of all kinds, Sunday-School Libraries, 

Blackboards, Library Cards, 

Service Books, Library Records, 

Instruction Books, Library Labels, 

Singing Books, Library Numbers, 

Concordances, The Winchester Confession, on cards, 

Sunday-School Concert Helps, Sunday-School Speakers. 



Everything required for Use in a Sunday School 

FURNISHED AT SHORT NOTICE. 



Officers and Teachers are invited to examine our Stock. 

» 

Universalis? Publishing House, 

16 Bromfield Street, Boston, Mass. 



